ANTI-BULLYING PROTOCOL

Every student is entitled to a safe school environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

• Alvord Unified School District prohibits bullying. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on the actual or perceived characteristics set forth in Penal Code section 422.55 and Education Code section 220; and, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Bullying is defined in Education Code section 48900(r).

• School personnel must immediately intervene if they witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, provided it is safe to do so.

• Acts of discrimination or bullying should be brought to the attention of the principal or his/her designee.

• Anyone may make an anonymous complaint by contacting the principal or designee. The principal or his/her designee must investigate all allegations of bullying and conclude it within 15 school days.

• Any party, who disagrees with the resolution of the complaint, has a right to appeal the decision to the Director of Student Services within 15 calendar days of receiving the decision.

• Complaints of bullying or discrimination will be considered confidential. However, it may be necessary to disclose certain information in order to effectively investigate.

• Students who violate the Alvord Unified School District policies on bullying or discrimination may be subject to discipline, including suspension and expulsion.

• The Alvord Unified School District prohibits retaliation against individuals who make complaints of bullying or provide information related to such complaints.